In-situ observation of deformation twin associated sub-grain boundary formation in copper single crystal under bending

In this work, we use in-situ TEM in combination with finite elemental analysis to reveal the sub-grain boundary formation during bending of Cu single crystal. The deformation process is featured by dislocations propagation, formation of stacking faults and deformation twins, and subsequent formation of a sub-grain boundary. Finite element analysis of stress distribution indicates the stacking faults and deformation twins are all initiated from the region that corresponds to the maximum shear stress. The formation of the sub-grain boundary is through the intersection between primary and secondary stacking faults/deformation twins. Real-time observation of the plastic deformation process during the bending of Cu single crystal, reveals the sub-grain boundary formation through the intersection between primary and secondary stacking faults/deformation twins.